CRIPPLE BESTED BURGLARS. ~ Fired Upon Intruders as He Lay Propped in His Bed.

November 26, 1908

CRIPPLE BESTED BURGLARS.

Fired Upon Intruders as He Lay

Propped in His Bed.

Robbers who attempted to enter the second story flat at 1426 Campbell street, where J. F. Benge and his wife live, last night, were fired upon by the husband. Mr. Benge is a cripple, and is confined to his bed with sickness besides. Mrs. Benge left the house about 9:30, leaving the door only partly closed. Mr. Benge heard the men coming up the stairs and called out. They paused momentarily and then continued their ascent. He grasped his revolver and waited. A tall man entered the room, while a smaller one waited outside, covering his face with a black cloth.

"Throw up your hands and lie down," commanded one of them.

Instead, Mr. Benge raised one hand and fired. The ball passed harmlessly over the head of the foremost intruder. The men fled out the back way. The affair was reported to the police. Neither of the men was recognized.